Kiremba : mushrooms, an alternative to meat thanks to their affordable price

The Upendo mixed cooperative in Musasa is establishing itself as a major player in mushroom production in northern Burundi. Located in the Congolese refugee camp of Musasa, in the district of Kiremba, province of Ngozi, this cooperative produces a significant quantity of mushrooms intended for the local market.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Faced with soaring prices of basic necessities, mushrooms are becoming an alternative of choice to meat. While a kilogram of beef costs 28,000 Burundi francs, a kilogram of mushrooms is sold at only 6,000 francs. This price difference offers a nutritious and accessible option for many families.

A solution within consumers’ reach

For many consumers, buying meat has become impossible. They are therefore turning to more affordable alternatives such as mushrooms. The Upendo cooperative, which brings together 31 members – including 28 refugees and 3 members of the host community – produces approximately 616 kilograms of mushrooms each month. These mushrooms, sold at an affordable price, meet the nutritional needs of many families while mitigating the effects of rising prices.

According to locals, this cooperative does more than just providing a source of food. It also plays a vital role in strengthening relationships between refugees and the host community, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging. By combating malnutrition, particularly
among children, it helps improve local economic conditions by generating income for its members.

A rapidly growing demand

“In recent days, we have had more customers than before due to the increase in the price of meat. People come to get our mushrooms. Our prices are more affordable and the mushrooms are very nutritious,” explains a member of the Upendo cooperative.

Another member adds, “Many come from far away. People from Musasa but also from the surrounding villages buy our mushrooms, especially during this holiday season. The demand continues to grow. We even have customers from the neighbouring Kinama camp, as well as others from Masanganzira, Muyinga and Bujumbura.”

A customer met on site testifies, “I can’t afford to buy meat right now. Mushrooms are not only affordable, but also delicious. I buy here regularly and support their initiative.”

Causes of the soaring meat prices

The rise in meat prices is rooted in several factors. Since the adoption of the government law on permanent stabling and the ban on straying livestock, herders without fodder crops have been forced to sell their livestock, thus reducing the supply on the market. In addition, the fuel shortage has made the situation worse. Prices of animals have quadrupled : a goat, which was worth 60,000 francs last year, now costs four times as much, while a local cow is reaching new heights.

A project that brings hope

The Upendo cooperative benefits from the support of the Integrated Community Development Project in Burundi (PRODECI-TURIKUMWE), financed by the World Bank. Musasa camp, which is home to around 9,000 refugees, benefits directly from the initiatives of this cooperative, which plays a crucial role in improving local living conditions.

By responding to growing demand, while promoting social cohesion and food security, the Upendo cooperative embodies a model of resilience and community collaboration.

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A small market in Musasa camp where mushrooms from the Upendo cooperative are sold, December 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)